April 22, 2005 Guysborough, Nova Scotia Residents and businesses in 14 Guysborough communities will soon have access to a new broadband network, thanks, in part, to an investment by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). Rodger Cuzner, Member of Parliament for Cape Breton-Canso, on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of ACOA, today announced that the Agency was contributing $250,000 towards the establishment of a high-capacity Internet connection. The funding comes from ACOA's Strategic Community Investment Fund (SCIF). "Establishment of this network will make it easier for this area to diversify its economy by removing a major barrier to economic development - distance," said Mr. Cuzner. "It's essential to the delivery of telehealth, distant learning, government services and e-business." "The broadband project will allow Guysborough County businesses communicate with the rest of the world, expand their markets, increase revenues and reduce costs by conducting business more efficiently," said Dan Gillis, Executive Director of the Guysborough County Regional development Authority. Broadband is defined as a high-capacity Internet connection, capable of supporting full-motion, real-time audio and video applications. It serves as a pipeline for delivering innovative applications, putting services in areas such as health, education and business within easy reach of all Canadians. Establishment of the broadband network was announced in May 2004 with a $1.5 million contribution from Industry Canada, under its Broadband for Rural and Northern Development Program (BRAND). Guysborough was one of 25 applicants from across Canada to receive support through the BRAND program. The program was designed to ensure that these communities have the tools they need to move ahead socially and economically. ACOA's assistance will be used to put in place the physical infrastructure required and to offset the cost of operating the broadband network itself. The investment is part of ACOA's ongoing commitment to supporting the economic and social development of Guysborough. SCIF is a component of the Atlantic Investment Partnership, a five-year Government of Canada initiative designed to help Atlantic Canadians compete in the global, knowledge- based economy. The Fund is administered by ACOA. FOR BROADCAST USE High-capacity Internet access in 14 rural Guysborough communities is a step closer as the result of a contribution from by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. The $250,000 investment was announced today by Cape Breton-Canso MP Rodger Cuzner, on behalf of the Honourable Joseph McGuire, Minister of ACOA. The money will be used to help put in place the physical infrastructure required for a broadband system to operate. In 2004, Guysborough was selected as one of the 25 applicants from across Canada to receive broadband service under a program established by Industry Canada. - 30 - For more information, please contact: Valérie Poulin Director of Communications Office of the Honourable Joseph McGuire Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (613) 941-7241 Chris Brooks Senior Communications Officer ACOA (Nova Scotia) (902) 426-4790 Dan Gillis Executive Director Guysborough County Regional Development Authority (902) 533-3731
